Best Time to Ride · Montauk vs Rockaway Beach – New York
Montauk vs Rockaway Beach – New York: which is better for surfing?
Montauk or Rockaway Beach – New York? Month by month: windy days, waves and water temperature side by side, from years of weather data.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Montauk has bigger waves in 12 of 12 months.
- Rockaway Beach – New York has warmer water in 9 of 12 months.
- Best months at Montauk: September–November.
- Best months at Rockaway Beach – New York: January–April, September–October, December.
- 168 km apart.
BestSep–Nov
Montauk
United States
Beginner-friendly · 17°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ WST 36 km
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND5458121722222118138
Best time to go →
BestSep–Oct, Dec–Apr
Rockaway Beach
New York · United States
Beginner-friendly · 10°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ JFK 7 km
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND5469131823232218138
Best time to go →Wave height: average daily maximum. Water: average sea surface temperature.